Meet Danika Tynes

We were lucky to catch up with Danika Tynes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Danika, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Thriving as the ‘Only One’
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned from being the “only one in the room,” it’s this: your power comes from owning your difference. When you step into a space where no one looks like you, sounds like you, or shares your background, your uniqueness becomes your greatest asset. Rather than focusing on whether I fit in, I’ve learned to concentrate on the value I bring and what I can gain from the experience. Conforming isn’t the goal. It’s about embracing individuality. Our perspective, shaped by unique experiences, sets us apart and gives us true power.

Being the only one who looks like me has taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and an unyielding focus on what truly matters. It’s given me the clarity to realize that success is defined by how well I stay aligned with my goals and purpose—no matter the room I’m in. The real challenge isn’t being the ‘other’; it’s about how I harness it.

In fact, being ‘othered’ has become my superpower. There were times I saw my difference as a disadvantage—moments of self-doubt creeping in. I recall being accused of something I hadn’t done, targeted by workplace politics, and even banned from a building just for showing up. The confusion and hurt were overwhelming, especially when a colleague advised me not to show my tears. In that moment, I felt victimized and powerless. Then I realized the narrative I was telling myself—that ‘life isn’t fair’—was part of the problem.

I started questioning everything, including my beliefs about fairness, success, and my own worth. I shifted my mindset. I adopted a practice from Byron Katie and now encourage others to do the same: ask yourself, “Is this true?” Is the story I’m telling myself real, or just my interpretation? This introspection changed everything. Once I took control of my narrative, I understood that my perception of power was my only limitation. If our mindset doesn’t evolve, neither does our progress.

Guiding Principles I’ve Learned

Throughout my journey, I’ve distilled several key principles that have helped me thrive. These are lessons I now share with mentees around the globe:
1. Write your story, then live your story: When I’m 100% focused on my desired outcome, it comes to fruition—usually better than expected. That requires brutal honesty about whether I’m truly giving my all. If I have time to worry about someone throwing me ‘shade,’ I’m not focused. I can think of times when I applied for a grant or job and was just throwing things against the wall, hoping something stuck. But life is no casino, and I’m no craps player.

When I wanted to be added to the Fulbright Roster, I wrote and rewrote my application a dozen times, sought feedback, reached out to the best references, and visualized receiving that award letter. It was no surprise that, in 2021, I was added to the prestigious Fulbright Roster, an honor bestowed by the U.S. Department of State, allowing me to consult with other countries on programs that create valuable cross-cultural collaborations. I’m now preparing for a project in Benin, Africa, to help build an entrepreneurship curriculum. You craft your world with your vision and effort. My job each day is to show up for the story I’ve written—if I want to work in Benin, I better start practicing my French.
2. Stay curious: Curiosity changes everything. For example, saying, “I don’t like you,” closes doors. But turning it into a question—“I don’t like you?”—creates space for growth. Maybe I can find room to like you in ways I hadn’t initially noticed. I’ve been rubbed the wrong way by aggressive co-workers or those who always bring negativity. Yet, through curiosity, I’ve often found common ground, like shared passions or personal histories. Time and again, I’ve discovered that what I swore to be true had a deeper layer of complexity. Curiosity opens doors, even when the benefit isn’t immediately obvious. I now stay curious about everything in front of me because it’s all part of my growth.
3. Break it down into bite-sized pieces: People often ask how I manage so many responsibilities—hundreds of team members, multi-million-dollar projects, completing a PhD. Some days, I don’t. On overwhelming days, I pause and break things down: What must I do to keep the lights on today? What’s the one thing I can do right now that will make a difference? Journeys can get complicated, but breaking tasks into bite-sized pieces always makes things more manageable.
4. Embrace triggers as insights: One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that when something triggers me, it’s an invitation for reflection and growth. When I worked with someone who seemed condescending and defensive, it bothered me deeply. Instead of reacting, I paused and asked myself, “Why is her behavior triggering me?” Through self-reflection, I realized it wasn’t about her—it was about me. I was reacting to past experiences, like how I was raised to avoid aggression. This insight opened a space for a conversation with her. I said, “I perceive your approach as aggressive. Am I misinterpreting that?” This led to a deeper understanding and a stronger working relationship. My triggers became teachers, helping me navigate diverse perspectives more effectively.
5. Go where you’re loved: One of the biggest mistakes I made in my younger years was spending time trying to fit into spaces that didn’t accept me. Now, I seek out the rooms where I’m valued for who I am. If I want creativity, peace, or joy, I avoid spaces where I have to wear a mask to maintain a status quo. The people who love you as you are will fuel you. They’ll give you the strength to keep going and living the story you are writing.

The Art of Being ‘Other’
When I find myself as the ‘other’ in a room now, I remind myself that I’m there for a reason. I focus on the value I can provide and what I can learn. I no longer live anyone else’s story but my own. I stay curious, even when—especially when—I’m the only ‘other’ in the room. I lean into my triggers to prepare for them. And I always remember that, in rooms where I don’t ‘fit,’ I have the power to leave and find spaces where I do.

Over time, I’ve realized that being ‘othered’ is not a limitation—it’s my superpower. It grants me a unique perspective, resilience, and the ability to bridge worlds. I’ve embraced it, harnessed it, and used it to create the change I want to see. My difference isn’t just my strength—it’s my gift to the world. So, I stand tall, speak up, and shine bright. The room needs my light more than my shrinkage.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Less than two years ago, I stood on the tarmac in Kampala, Uganda, with a PhD in International Development, 25 years of experience in organizational transformation and scaling, and a heart full of hope. I had left behind a successful corporate career in Silicon Valley, a move that filled me with both excitement and trepidation. With one friend by my side and a vision to eradicate handouts in favor of hand-ups, I embarked on a journey that has, in such a short period, impacted countless lives.

Stepping off that plane, I wondered if I had made a colossal mistake. But as I traveled through six districts and 13 villages, meeting hundreds of locals, a powerful realization dawned on me: access is a universal language. Everyone yearns to achieve something, yet many are unsure how to reach their goals. This understanding sparked a fire within me, transforming my mission from merely scaling businesses to nurturing entire communities.

In less than two years, Sustainable Access Foundation (SAF) has made remarkable strides. We’ve directly impacted over 2,000 community members in Uganda, partnered with more than 35 local organizations, and increased household incomes by an average of 35%. Our model of sustainable access has now reached Tanzania and India, and next year, we’re excited to expand into Rwanda and beyond.

At the molten core of my life’s work lies an inextinguishable commitment to cultivating future generations of unbridled changemakers, self-empowered communities, and visionary leaders. My work, through SAF, transcends the immediate, relentlessly tending the fertile soil where the seeds of infinite potential can blossom into symphonies of prosperity.

I am devoted to empowering youth and women by mentoring about and addressing the macro-environments that impede their personal and natural progress. Our approach, deeply rooted in mindfulness and psychosocial well-being, fosters a resilient foundation. Through SAF, we equip the next generation to face any challenge with creativity, resilience, and a deep-seated sense of their inherent worth. It’s about enabling them to recognize that true power comes from within. By gaining access to doors that have long been closed, we can see real change in the world. As we mentor over 50 changemakers, preparing to launch a program to train 100 aspiring social impact entrepreneurs, and simultaneously prepare to launch a global natural anti-aging enterprise, I’m reminded daily of why I do this work. It’s about more than creating access; it’s about empowering people to realize their own potential and author their own stories of success.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Curiosity and open-mindedness are superpowers
2. Don’t try to ‘boil the ocean’
3. Go where you’re loved

I give more detail on these in the first section responses.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

Over the years, managing hundreds of people, rarely sleeping in my own bed, balancing family and higher education, I’ve had to develop strategies where I could be successful in high-pressure situations. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Embrace the Pause
When overwhelm strikes, my first move is counterintuitive: I pause. It’s tempting to charge ahead, thinking action will alleviate anxiety. But I’ve found that a moment of stillness can be transformative. I like to use this pause to take a deep breath and remind myself: this feeling is temporary.

2. Break It Down
My mantra, which my colleagues have heard ad nauseam, is “break it down into bite-sized pieces.” Here’s how I approach it:
• I ask: “What absolutely has to get done today?”
• I get specific: “What must I do to keep the lights on?”
• I give myself grace: “Of all the things on this list, what would be the most enjoyable to tackle right now?”
By breaking the mountain into molehills, suddenly everything feels more manageable.

3. Focus on the Story
I believe we each tell the story of what we want our world to look like. When overwhelm hits, I revisit my story. What’s the big picture? What am I working towards? This helps me realign my focus and remember why I’m pushing through challenges.

4. Stay Curious
Overwhelm often comes with a side of negative self-talk. I’ve learned to transform statements into questions. Instead of “I can’t handle this,” I try “How can I handle this?” This simple shift opens up possibilities and solutions I might not have seen before.

5. Go Where You’re Loved
I surround myself with people who accept me as I am. If I’m constantly trying to fit in or maintain a facade, that’s energy I’m not putting into solving problems or being creative.
In my younger years, I spent too much time trying to fit in where I wasn’t accepted. Now, I recognize that the surest dream-killer and motivation-dampener is spending time trying to be accepted. Instead, I seek out environments where I can be authentic. That’s where I find my fuel.

6. Give Grace: It’s Part of the Journey
Finally, I remind myself that feeling overwhelmed is often part of any meaningful journey, where the path is rarely straight. Some days I won’t maintain it all perfectly – and that’s okay. The key is to have strategies to fall back on when things feel like they’re spiraling. Taking it one bite-sized piece at a time, staying true to my story, and relentlessly moving forward, things ultimately align.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sustainableaccessfoundation.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainable_access_foundation/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainable-access-foundation/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SustainableAccessFoundation